KIA Imposes Mandatory Covid Testing For Passengers From China

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has revised its COVID-19 protocols for passengers using the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

Per the revised protocols, passengers from China will undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival at KIA at no cost.

The said passengers must present valid negative COVID-19 PCR test results 48 hours before departure from the originating country.

Also, airlines that bring passengers to the KIA who are not fully vaccinated or passengers originating from China without valid negative COVID-19 PCR test results 48 hours before the departure would be surcharged $3,500.

The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) revised guidelines follow concerns about another virus outbreak in China and other countries.

The directive takes effect from January 6, 2023, at 00:00 hours (UTC).

A statement from the authority further said, “All persons arriving in Ghana (citizens, residents, and visitors) who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from any form of testing done prior to boarding from the originating country or on arrival in Ghana except passengers originating from China”.

The authority also mentioned that passengers might be randomly selected and offered a test on arrival.

Non-Ghanaians found to have used “fake” or “forged” vaccination certificates shall be quarantined and returned to their point of embarkation at the passenger’s own cost.

The authority reiterated that wearing of nose mask is recommended in all airport terminals and ancillary buildings.

It will be recalled that the Ghana Health Service (GHS), on January 2, 2023, announced that it is reviewing COVID-19 preventive measures due to soaring cases in China and other countries.

According to the GHS, despite the consistent decline in COVID-19 cases in Ghana over the past three months, the change in the global situation, particularly in China, poses a significant threat to the importation of the virus and a new wave of COVID-19 infection in the country.

A statement from the health service said the situation calls for tightening and reviewing of existing measures to avert further outbreaks.